As part of Melanoma Awareness Month this May, the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is launching three new resources to reach the online community. Now digital users can learn more about melanoma and access tools to fight this deadly disease through Facebook, Twitter and the MRF Melanoma Messengers programs.

“Melanoma Awareness Month exists because this disease is not sufficiently in the public’s mind. If we are going to stop melanoma, we need to extend our reach to include young people, who have the fastest rising incidence rates,” says Tim Turnham, executive director of the MRF. “We are really excited about the potential of these online programs to reach Americans where they live, work and play.”

Created as a grassroots, volunteer program, the MRF Melanoma Messengers tool kit will enable individuals to join a national network dedicated to supporting medical research, educating patients and physicians, and acting as an advocate for the melanoma community. The additional social networking sites, including Facebook and Twitter, will enable volunteers to stay connected, share tips and offer support to others.

“Our Facebook, Twitter and MRF Melanoma Messengers programs give people the tools and resources they need to raise awareness in their local and online communities,” continued Turnham. “Whether you are a fan, a tweeter or a volunteer, it’s now easier than ever before to show your support for those affected by this deadly disease.”

“This month, the MRF’s Messengers will be involved in nearly 30 different fundraising events and activities throughout the country to raise money to find a cure, including our first ‘Melanoma Tweetments’ fundraiser,” says C. Randy Lomax, chairman of the MRF’s board of directors. “Individual Twitter users can make a difference by sending tweets about melanoma to their followers and donating a few dollars to fund melanoma research.”

Melanoma, the most deadly type of skin cancer, claims the life of approximately one American every hour and is the fastest-growing cancer in the United States and worldwide. It strikes women and men of all ages, all races and all skin types. In its early stages, melanoma can be successfully removed and monitored by regular skin screenings. However, the disease is deadly in its most advanced stages, as few treatment options exist. The median life expectancy for patients with advanced melanoma is less than one year and existing therapies have not improved survival in more than a decade.

The Melanoma Research Foundation invites you to join its online community at: